Kirsty Coventry seeks meeting with Trump for successful LA 2028 Olympics
- Kirsty Coventry was elected as the first female and African president of the IOC on March 20, 2025.
- She expressed her desire to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss key issues for the 2028 LA Olympics, focusing on athlete participation and safety.
- Coventry's leadership marks a significant advancement for women's representation in sports governance.
On March 20, 2025, in an announcement notable for its historical significance, Kirsty Coventry has been appointed as the first female and African president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), marking a pivotal moment in sports governance. Coventry, who previously served as Zimbabwe's sports minister, expressed her desire to engage with President Donald Trump ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics scheduled in Los Angeles. She underscored the importance of maintaining communication with Trump to ensure the success of the Olympics and to discuss crucial issues such as the participation of transgender athletes. Coventry's remarks came amidst the broader context of the Trump administration's policies, which have raised concerns about the visa processes for athletes, particularly transgender individuals, in light of previous statements made by Trump regarding gender categories. This discussion comes at a time when the country is gearing up to host several major sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup in 2026, which will be co-hosted with Canada and Mexico. Coventry, confident in Trump's admiration for sports, believes his involvement can significantly contribute to the success of the LA Games. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of solidarity in ensuring every qualified athlete has a chance to participate safely in the Olympics. In her inaugural address following her election, Coventry paid tribute to the pioneers who paved the way for women in sports leadership, including Anita DeFrantz, the first woman to run for the IOC presidency. Coventry's focus not only on the LA 2028 Games but also on the upcoming Youth Summer Olympic Games in Dakar in 2026 highlights her commitment to showcasing African heritage and diversity on a global stage. Recently, various stakeholders in the sporting community have voiced support for Coventry, viewing her election as pivotal for the future of athletes and women's representation in sports administration. Coventry's historical election and aspirations for the LA 2028 Olympics signal a forward-thinking approach to international sports governance and athlete representation.